NUTRITION EDUCATION PROGRAMS

The Pompea Smith Good Cooking/ Buena Cocina Nutrition Education Program’s (PSGC) mission is to nourish and foster community enrichment, in which individuals from the community inform the programs we offer.

Our nutrition education classes aim to empower individuals of all ages to confidently make healthy changes through practical skill-building activities. Classes showcase simple and culturally relevant recipes that reinforce key nutrition messages. 

We specialize in providing youth and adults with fun and hands-on nutrition and cooking classes and nutrition and physical activity classes at our network of certified farmers’ markets. The PSGC also works collaboratively with community-based sites to bring our programs to parks, schools, afterschool programs, and healthcare clinics.   

In our market classes, participants are exposed to California-grown produce, as well as have access to benefits and incentive programs like Market Match and WIC that allow CalFresh EBT customers to purchase more fruits and veggies. This holistic approach enables us to provide our program participants with direct food access and education that makes a tangible and lasting impact on their journey to healthy and active living. 

 We are now bringing our classroom to you via YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. You can find simple lessons on: 

  • MyPlate

  • Label reading

  • The benefits of fruits and vegetables 

  • Physical activity

  • Understanding of sugars, fats, and salt in our daily diets

  • Follow along with cooking videos

  • And much more! 

Sign up for our monthly newsletter for nutrition and cooking class reminders here. 

Stay connected on all our social media platforms!

Volunteer with our Nutrition Team

Are you looking to volunteer with our Nutrition Team? Click the button below to complete our volunteer form and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

Host a Nutrition Demonstration

Looking to host a nutrition demonstration at your school or local organization? Fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

We currently offer nutrition education programming through the CalFresh Healthy Living Program and the Peak of Season Specialty Crop Nutrition Education and Culinary Program. Nutrition education programming can be provided on a fee basis to schools who do not meet program requirements and to various workplace settings across Southern California.

Learn more about each of our nutrition programs or check out our Nutrition Program FAQ page for more information.

LEGACY PROGRAMS

VISIT OUR CALENDAR PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR CLASS OFFERINGS.

All classes and events are FREE to attend and no RSVP is needed to participate. Contact us to be updated on our upcoming class schedule.

  • “I've learned to make more nutritious foods and found out that it actually tastes good.”

    Central Avenue Farmers Market Participant

  • “I learned to cook healthier and to be better. [The classes] help me to be better physically and to share recipes with my son.”

    Central Avenue Farmers Market Participant

  • “I've made many changes in my daily life because of what I’ve learned thanks to the wonderful staff who motivate me to live healthier [...] progress like never before and many of my friends have even made comments about my “Healthier” appearance.”

    Raphael Santillan, Central Avenue Farmers Market

  • "The program was amazing; I learned that eating healthy is a lifestyle I should make. I am thankful for everything. I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart.”

    Cindy Ortiz, Parent Center

  • “Nutrition classes helped me to make right choices in regards to shopping more veggies and fruits than meats and dairy products.

    Narina Kazarian, Parent Center

  • “There was a reason I kept coming back week after week. I want to thank you for teaching me how to read the labels because now when I go to the store I know how to tell what’s good for me and what isn’t."

    Darryl Turner, MLK Campus Farmers Market

  • "I never liked green beans or red peppers [but after learning about stir fry] I had to convert! It’s helpful to have different things to cook that are not only healthy but also very good. I’m very happy that I was introduced to something new by coming to your class.”

    Andres Lara, Watts Willowbrook Farmers Market